At a glance, here are the best 16th Street restaurants: Little Finch sandwiches and salads are perfect for lunch. The Tamayo rooftop wins for Mexican small plates and happy hour margs. Dine at West Saloon for dinner or for a special occasion, savor Italian fare at Tavernetta. Even better, you can sample several top eateries on our 16th Street Food Tour.
As local culinary guides, we spend a lot of time eating our way through this stretch of downtown. We know which restaurants are worth your time, which ones are tourist traps, and which spots feature truly delicious highlights in 2026. The picks below are our insider favorites — places we genuinely recommend to friends and out-of-towners alike. Dig in!
Table of Contents
Best 16th Street Mall Restaurants
Appaloosa Grill
535 16th St Mall │ Website │ Price: $$ │ American │ Casual
This 16th Street mainstay offers nightly live music, a generous daily happy hour and an expansive American menu. Savor regionally-inspired specialties like its smoked pork green chile, bison steak and elk burger on toasted brioche. Appaloosa Grill also serves a flavorful bison chili, one of four tastings featured on our 16th Street Mall Food Tour.
D’Corazon Mexican Restaurant
1530 Blake St │ Website │ Price: $$ │ Mexican │ Casual
If you’re craving carnitas and a mid-day margarita, head to D’Corazon. Ranked as one of the best downtown lunch restaurants, this locally-owned eatery serves all your favorite Mexican comforts: crispy chile rellenos, chicken mole enchiladas and chimichangas smothered in spicy green chile, plus so much more.
The Kitchen American Bistro
1560 Wazee St │ Website │ Price: $$$ │ New American │ Contemporary Causal
The Kitchen American Bistro is a solid choice for any occasion, from corporate outings to brunch dates with friends. While the restaurant offers a range of entrees, don’t overlook its sharable small plates. Delicata squash with szechuan chili crisp, urfa-spiced carrots alongside whipped feta and hand-cut garlic fries are some of the best bites on the menu.
Chez Maggy
1616 Market St │ Website │ Price: $$$ │ French │ Upscale
Inside the swanky Thompson hotel lies Chez Maggy, one of the city’s most romantic restaurants. Book a dinner reservation to enjoy a dimly-lit ambiance and menu favorites like buttery escargots, shrimp toast, white wine-simmered mussels and its signature trout almondine. This modern French eatery also offers a lengthy wine list, along with daily breakfast items and a generous weekend brunch.
See Why Denver Food Tours Are a Top-Rated Local Experience
Join our curated restaurant tours led by friendly local guides! Denver landmarks, neighborhood stories, and a full meal included. Tours run 7 days a week. Over 5300 five-star reviews.
Earls Kitchen + Bar
1600 Glenarm Pl │ Website │ Price: $$ │ New American │ Contemporary Casual
Take a seat within Earls’ dining room or dine al fresco on one of two patios along 16th Street. This New American chain offers a little bit of everything, from sushi and gochujang-slathered ribs to hearty burgers, steak entrees and more. It’s especially popping from 3 to 6 p.m. daily and 9 p.m. to close, as the eatery offers one of the best happy hours in Denver.
Kealoha’s BBQ
601 16th St │ Website │ Price: $ │ Hawaiian │ Casual
For a quick and tasty bite, stop by this busy food stand set among 16th Street’s top attractions. Kealoha dishes out Hawaiian staples like spicy kalua pork, lilikoi barbecue ribs, spam musubi and teriyaki chicken served with macaroni salad. Order a guava juice or lychee lemonade to pair with your flavorful, island-style meal.
Lazo Empanadas
303 16th St │ Website │ Price: $ │ Argentinian │ Casual
Lazo Empanadas is a homegrown chain with seven locations as of 2026. Find an outpost in the Ballpark District (which we visit on our Downtown Denver Food Tour) and another along 16th Street (one of four stops on our 16th Street Food Tour).
Its Argentinian baked empanadas come in twelve savory flavors including barbecue chicken, steak quesadilla, spicy ground beef and mushroom. Make it a meal with a side of chimichurri and a sweet empanada for dessert.
West Saloon & Kitchen
501 16th St │ Website │ Price: $$ │ American │ Contemporary Casual
Grab a seat at West Saloon & Kitchen to sample its regionally-inspired menu which features favorites like pork green chile, elk meatballs and Rocky Mountain oysters — which is not a seafood dish, in case you were wondering. Rather, whet your appetite with deep-fried bull testicles and wash ‘em down with one of 36 beers on tap.
5280 Burger Bar
500 16th St │ Website │ Price: $$ │ American │ Casual
5280 Burger Bar is located on the lower level of the Denver Pavilions, an expansive commercial complex along 16th Street. Pop in for a burger piled high with creative toppings — like the jalapeño popper burger made with charred peppers, crispy bacon and housemade pimento cheese; or the “prime” featuring sharp white cheddar, steak sauce and giant onion rings. Truffle fries and a boozy milkshake complete the experience.
Chopstickers
1617 California St │ Website │ Price: $$ │ Chinese │ Casual
This counter-service eatery offers budget-friendly dim sum right off 16th Street. Menu favorites at Chopstickers include soup dumplings, steamed and fried bao, savory potstickers and its spicy dandan noodles. In addition to meat and seafood options, there’s also a solid variety of plant-based dishes.
Liang’s Thai Food
16th & Welton St │ Website │ Price: $ │ Thai│ Casual
Before Liang’s Thai Food opened its brick-and-mortar in Broomfield, it was just a humble little food stall along 16th Street — which continues to operate in 2026. Discover what made this eatery a local favorite by ordering its pad thai, drunken noodles and popular panang curry. But a word to the wise: This spot is cash-only and if you request a dish to be “Thai hot,” prepare for a serious kick of heat!
Mint Indian Restaurant And Lounge
1531 Stout St │ Website │ Price: $$ │ Indian│ Casual
For a real feast, there’s no better place to dine than Mint Indian Restaurant. Served during lunchtime, its affordable weekday buffet features a range of traditional dishes including housemade curries, tikka masala, vindaloo and more. Though it’s easy to pile up your plate, save room for dessert — the mango custard is a must.
16th Street Mall Restaurants Near Union Station
Ultreia
1701 Wynkoop St │ Website │ Price: $$$ │ Spanish│ Upscale
Gin tonics and tapas from Ultreia are some of the best things to eat and drink around Union Station. Our favorites bites include bacon-wrapped dates, blistered shishito peppers and tinned fish — and nothing beats its special “paella on the patio” nights.
End your meal with a port wine and pastel de nata, a Portuguese custard tart which we sample on our Downtown Denver Food Tour.
ChoLon
1555 Blake St │ Website │ Price: $$$ │ Asian Fusion│ Upscale
ChoLon serves Asian-fusion dishes within its sleek dining room on 16th and Blake. While small plates like its jumbo shrimp satay and pork belly bao buns are menu favorites, don’t miss its claim to fame: the French onion soup dumplings. From simmering beef broth to folding each by hand, this signature dish takes days to create and is one of the best bites in Denver.
Ogo Kitchen
1701 Wynkoop St │ Website │ Price: $$ │ Korean│ Casual
Stop by this new fast-casual addition to Union Station serving kimbap rolls, sweet-savory tofu pockets, bibimbap rice bowls and more. Most everything travels well, perfect for those seeking lunch on-the-go. But if you have a moment to spare, take a seat in Ogo’s refreshed space and order the bento box featuring fire-grilled meats, rice or japchae noodles, four banchan (sides) and cream puffs for dessert.
Tavernetta
1889 16th St │ Website │ Price: $$$ │ Italian│ Upscale
Tavernetta is one of our favorite bars around Union Station, with its refreshing brachetto spritz featured on our Cocktail Tasting Tour. But this Michelin Bib Gourmand serves far more than apéritifs and sommelier-selected wines.
Take in the romantic ambiance while savoring handmade pastas, like its lamb ragu rigatoni and lobster tagliatelle, along with whole branzino and rum-soaked tiramisu for dessert. Among 16th Street restaurants, there’s no better place for Italian fine dining.
Ajax Downtown
1899 16th St │ Website │ Price: $$$ │ New American│ Contemporary Casual
Ajax Downtown brings one of our favorite winter activities to the city: après ski. Like its original location in Aspen, this stylish eatery serves comforts like its raclette cheeseburger, French onion soup and other elevated dishes. Pair sparkling wine with raw oysters, hamachi crudo and more.
Mercantile
1701 Wynkoop St │ Website │ Price: $$$ │ New American│ Contemporary Casual
Mercantile is another 2026 Michelin recommendation, offering an upscale take on American classics. Sommelier-selected wines pair beautifully with housemade ricotta gnudi, pan-seared scallops and Colorado lamb skewers. The dinner menu is complemented by lunch sandwiches and breakfast pastries, all served in a fresh space within Union Station.
Urban Farmer
1659 Wazee St │ Website │ Price: $$$ │ Steakhouse│ Upscale
Locally-sourced produce and fresh butcher cuts form the menu at Urban Farmer, a modern chophouse within the historic Oxford Hotel. Diners inside and out on its patio enjoy prime beef carpaccio, dry-aged bison and Colorado seared trout. In addition, this eatery serves a fantastic weekend brunch, plus one of our favorite drinks in the city: the butter pecan old fashioned, which we sample on our Cocktail Tasting Tour.
16th Street Mall Restaurants Near Larimer Square
Osteria Marco
1453 Larimer St │ Website │ Price: $$$ │ Italian│ Contemporary Casual
This cozy, basement-level eatery is one of the best Italian restaurants in town. Snag a booth or take a seat on its patio to enjoy hand-tossed pizza and fresh pasta entrees, like its mouthwatering mushroom fusilli and decadent lobster tagliatelle. Osteria Marco is also loved for its creamy housemade ricotta. Slightly sweet and served with grilled bread, it’s a menu favorite for good reason.
Tamayo
1400 Larimer St │ Website │ Price: $$$ │ Mexican│ Contemporary Casual
Tamayo is one of our favorite rooftop restaurants in Denver. It’s been a Larimer Square mainstay since 2001 and recently underwent major renovations. The updated aesthetic now matches the freshness of the modern Mexican menu. Order dishes like queso fundido, carne asada tacos and its popular la tampiqueña dish featuring grilled skirt steak, mole enchilada and more.
Rioja
1431 Larimer St │ Website │ Price: $$$ │ Mediterranean│ Upscale
Mediterranean flavors take center stage at Rioja, a lively eatery in the heart of Larimer Square. Dine al fresco or inside its warm dining room to enjoy handmade pastas and comforting entrees. Popular choices include its artichoke tortelloni, goat cheese gnudi with braised Colorado lamb and roasted duck breast served with sugar snap peas and carrot jus. Order the fig beignets for dessert.
Sushi by Scratch
1441 Larimer St │ Website │ Price: $$$$ │ Omakase│ Upscale
For a luxurious night out, book a reservation at one of the city’s newest omakase restaurants, Sushi by Scratch. This upscale eatery recently opened its twelfth location on Larimer Square. Down on a basement level and along the chef’s counter, diners enjoy seventeen sushi courses and Japanese cocktails alongside fewer than ten other guests. It’s an intimate, immaculate experience.
Dragonfly Noodle
1350 16th St │ Website │ Price: $$ │ Pan-Asian│ Casual
This sister concept to Michelin-recommended Zoe Ma Ma is one you don’t want to miss. Dragonfly Noodle debuted on the corner of 16th and Market in 2022 and quickly built a reputation for its noodle dishes, which span from Japanese ramen and yaki udon to steaming bowls of Vietnamese pho.
Bao featuring housemade buns add to the delicious menu. On our 16th Street Food Tour, guests sample our personal favorite: the roast duck bao topped with crispy shallots, scallions and a sweet-savory hoisin sauce.
Little Finch
1490 16th St │ Website │ Price: $ │ American│ Casual
Little Finch is a lovely spot on the corner of 16th and Blake. Like its sister concept Olive & Finch (which has a location inside Union Station), it serves a range of breakfast and lunch items. Nosh on housemade pastries, savory slices of quiche, fresh salads, sandwiches and more. The eatery also has a coffee bar, plus a neat selection of cocktails, wine and local beer from Tivoli Brewing Co.
The Capital Grille
1450 Larimer St │ Website │ Price: $$$$ │ Steakhouse│ Upscale
Whether you’re looking for date night spots or venues to entertain clients, The Capital Grille is a winning choice. This upscale steakhouse in Larimer Square has wined and dined guests for more than twenty years. If it’s your first time visiting, order the signatures: lobster mac and cheese, mashed red potatoes and its porcini-rubbed ribeye with fifteen-year aged balsamic.
Ukiyo
1317 14th │ Website │ Price: $$$$ │ Omakase│ Upscale
Tucked just off Larimer Square, this intimate omakase restaurant serves a seasonal tasting menu that blends Japanese techniques with global flavors. Each course is prepared and presented in real time, ensuring the freshest flavors and a close look at the chefs’ expertise. Have your camera ready Ukiyo’s signature dessert: a cotton candy bonsai tree that’s (almost) too pretty to eat.
See Why Denver Food Tours Are a Top-Rated Local Experience
Join our curated restaurant tours led by friendly local guides! Denver landmarks, neighborhood stories, and a full meal included. Tours run 7 days a week. Over 5300 five-star reviews.
Hapa Sushi Grill and Sake Bar
1514 Blake St │ Website │ Price: $$$ │ Japanese-Hawaiian│ Contemporary Casual
With a wide selection of sake and Japanese-inspired cocktails, Hapa Sushi is one of our favorite bars in Denver. The food menu is equally as extensive, featuring dozens of rolls and small plates like karaage sliders, ginger pork gyoza and shishito peppers dressed in spicy gochujang. For the best deal, pop in during happy hour, available daily from 2:30 to 5:30 pm, as well as 10 pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Ocean Prime
1465 Larimer St │ Website │ Price: $$$$ │ Steakhouse│ Upscale
Celebrate your next special occasion at Ocean Prime, one of the best 16th Street restaurants. This upscale chain that has long occupied Larimer Square. White tablecloths appear inside and on its patio — both stellar places to dine on Chilean sea bass, Colorado lamb and bone-in ribeye steak. To sample the chef’s best, order from its prix fixe surf and turf menu served on Sundays and complete the experience with a bottle of wine.
Blue Agave Grill
1201 16th St │ Website │ Price: $$ │ Southwest│ Casual
In addition to its Fort Collins location, Blue Agave Grill has an outpost on 16th and Larimer. Stop in for signature cocktails and Southwest-inspired eats like blue corn enchiladas, crispy coconut shrimp and tortilla soup with a kick of green chile. This locally-owned restaurant also offers a killer weekday happy hour, with $6 margaritas and most food specials under ten bucks.
Priced at $69 per person, our 16th Street Food Tour features tastings from four award-winning local restaurants. Bookings are available every Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 12:30 pm.